- Debt Support
Debt Guide
Everything you need to understand debt, your options, and your rights in one place, in plain English. No jargon, no fluff, just the essentials.
- Debt Guide
Understanding Your Debt
List everything you owe
creditor, amount, minimum payment, interest rate.
Add it up
most people underestimate their total until they see it written down
Check for accuracy
request a free credit report from Experian, Equifax, or ClearScore to catch anything you've missed.
Note the account status
up to date, in arrears, defaulted, or with a debt collector.m
Don't panic if the number is bigger than expected
the point is clarity, not judgement
Priority vs Non-Priority Debts
- Priority debts
Deal with these first; consequences are more serious.
- Rent / mortgage arrears.
- Council tax arrears.
- Gas & electricity arrears.
- Court fines.
- Child maintenance arrears.
- Income tax arrears.
- Non-priority debts
Still important, but less immediately severe.
- Credit cards.
- Store cards & catalogues.
- Personal loans.
- Payday loans.
- Overdrafts
- Debt Guide
Understanding Your Debt
Your credit file shows lenders how you've managed borrowing in the past.
Missed payments, defaults, and formal debt solutions are all recorded on it.
Most negative marks (including defaults and most debt solutions) drop off after 6 years.
Checking your own credit file does not affect your score
Bills keep increasing every month
- Debt Guide
Choosing the Right Debt Solution
| Solution | Best for | Debt written off? | Credit file impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt Management Plan | Repaying in full, lower payments | No | > 6 Years (Defaults recorded) |
| IVA | £6,000+ unsecured debt, steady income | Yes, if completed | 6 years |
| DRO | Low income & assets, debt under £50,000 | Yes, after 12 months | 6 years |
| Bankruptcy | Genuinely unaffordable debt, last resort | Yes, qualifying debts | 6 years |
- Debt Support
Your Rights When Dealing With Creditors & Bailiffs
- Debt Guide
Understanding Your Debt
Start with income
Everything coming in, after tax.
List fixed essentials
Rent/mortgage, utilities, council tax, insurance.
List flexible essentials
Food, transport, phone.
See what's left
This is your realistic starting point for any repayment plan.
Build in a small buffer
Even £5–£10/week can prevent the next shortfall.
Free budgeting tools
Budget Planner is free and takes about 15 minutes.
- Debt Guide
Key Terms Explained
Unsecured debt
Borrowing not tied to an asset (credit cards, loans)
Secured debt
Borrowing tied to an asset (mortgages, car finance)
Default
A formal record that you've missed payments and the account has broken down
County Court Judgment
A County Court Judgment confirming a debt is legally owed
Insolvency Practitioner (IP)
A licensed professional who manages formal debt solutions like IVAs and bankruptcy
Moratorium
A set period where creditors can't chase you for a debt
Discharge
Being formally released from a debt solution once it's complete
Write-off
When a creditor agrees you no longer owe some or all of a debt
- Debt Guide
Key Terms Explained
MoneyHelper
moneyhelper.org.uk
Government-backed money & debt guidance
Citizens Advice
citizensadvice.org.uk
Debt, benefits, housing
& more
Step Change
stepchange.org
UK debt advice
charity
National Debtline
nationaldebtline.org
Free debt advice by phone & webchat
- Check Eligibility
Not sure which applies to you ?
Talk it through with an adviser free to check, no obligation, no pressure.
Check if you qualify
- 60 seconds
- No credit impact
- No obligation
Please note that debt solutions may not be suitable for everyone and fees may apply Click Here. Entering into an IVA will impact your credit rating.
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